How flexible licensing can transform your organization
As LCM professionals, we all know the value and impact analysis driven life cycle management can have on a program or an organization, but we also recognize the challenges in fully realizing that potential. One of these challenges is the increasing need in complex programs and supply chains for agile working methods and mechanisms to make LCM analytics and decision support available for all stakeholders during the entire life cycle.
Background
The last few years have changed the way we all work - regardless of industry - and the software we use have, for the most part, been adapted to suit our changing requirements. For example, now all enjoy more sophisticated video conferencing and better ways to securely share data and information across geographically diverse departments and roles.
And yet in some areas our use of software is out of sync with this new reality. Some industries and functions are still relying on conventional on-prem user specific solutions (sometimes for security reasons) and as such are missing out on multiple opportunities for efficiency.
Limitations with single user licenses
Looking specifically at the Opus Suite community, some organizations are still using licenses tied to single users, either through USB-based dongles or other client verifications. While this approach may have its benefits, it can in many cases be a limiting factor on efficiency and productivity. As we increasingly work in multiple locations, it can be frustrating to ensure that a physical hardware-based license key is always at hand - and it’s tedious to work collaboratively on tasks when reviewing results with peers working remotely.
Furthermore, with single user licensing solutions, knowledge is typically concentrated with very few users, which increases the risk of delays or project stall if a key specialist moves between roles or companies. An increased spread of licenses across the organization helps transfer and keep valuable knowledge and stimulate collaboration between departments. All this can be accomplished at relatively low cost per user, as the price per license is significantly lower for multi-user licenses.
Floating licenses break down barriers, spreads knowledge and increases productivity
With a network based multi-user floating license, the Opus Suite can be accessed by a lot more users in a more flexible manner. The software can be installed on more computers than the number of licenses purchased. For example, with a multi-user installation for up to 10 users, you can install the software on any number of client computers. Access rights are provided for any number of users as long as the total number of simultaneous sessions does not exceed 10.
This way, the LCM analysis capabilities can be easily available across several locations or even an entire corporate network, with “floating” licenses that can be transferred from one workstation to another as needed.
By widening the access to Opus Suite, you can open the door to significant increases in LCM awareness and know-how, increase productivity and lower the barriers for collaboration and sharing of information and insights - while at the same time centralizing oversight, security, and maintenance.
Since the licenses are administered centrally, it’s also easier to ensure that all users have access to the latest updates and technical revisions.
The results can be felt across all aspects of an organization
The benefits of moving to a network-based, floating, multi-user license (and in the process adding additional licenses to an organization) are clear:
- An expanded footprint of the software investment – each license can be shared between multiple users which enables a wide-spread and long-term knowledge base
- Full control and central management of your licenses – including activation, distribution, and updates
- Security and control over high value assets of your organization – avoids the administration of numerous local hardware keys, moving the responsibility to a single point of administration rather than one person for each license key
- Usage tracking – gives useful input for budgeting and forecasting at future software investments
- Commuter licenses – a possibility to temporarily borrow, or “check-out”, a license for use outside the network which gives the flexibility to support traveling or other off-line work
Opus Suite is in continuous development and improvement, but maybe it’s also time to improve and broaden the way that you use it? So if you’re keen to explore ways to get the very most out of Opus Suite then get in touch today.
Author:
Markus Ehnhage
Team Lead Customer Success
Systecon Group
